Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  RELIABILITY? - 1996 Volvo 850
  By IAN L - November 12 - 2:00 am

  EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILLS, A/C EVAP,BRAKE PROBLEMS, NOISES, RATTLES,20MPH R/F CRASH AND DASH NEVER ALIGNED THE SAME. SOME CHRG AND ELECT PROBLEMS

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  Love this Car! - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Valerie Cisler - August 12 - 4:33 am

  This has been one of the finest vehicles I have ever owned - and that includes Mercedes. I have so many people who comment on how much they love my car and then cant believe it when I tell them its nine years old. The body style, the lack of any apparent wear, and the still beautiful orginal paint job, all contribute to its appeal. And you cant beat the service department at Volvo dealerships. They are extraordinarily helpful and accommodating. I recommend Volvo to everyone!

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  Volvos remain reliable - 1996 Volvo 850
  By JRW00 - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a 96 Volvo 850 for five years, and havent had any problems with it. It just goes and goes, with just ordinary maintenance. Its comfortable, roomy, and performs well.

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  Sorry I bought it - 1996 Volvo 850
  By kbarry - July 27 - 2:00 am

  The 1996 850 has been a mechanical nightmare for me. Rear Main seals, alternator, A/C problems, blower motor, radiator fan, cooling leaks, engine mounts, ABS module failure, bad antenna, leaky sunroof, peeling paint. I bought this car due to Volvos legenday durability and high resale. Today, the car isnt worth squat on trade and needs about $2k worth of further reapirs to return it back to normal.

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  False Advertising - 1996 Volvo 850
  By No Volvo for You - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Volvo because of what I believed they had a reputation for producing safe, trouble-free, cars that would last many years. After 6+ years, Ive had to spend over $13,000 on repairs to the car -- whats kept me going is the thought that nothing else could happen....well Ive been wrong every time. Im going to get through this winter, sell it or give it away and will steer clear of Volvo (horrendous service and warranty replacement policies BTW) as I suggest you or anyone considering a Volvo do as well.

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  At least its safe - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Not pleased - June 8 - 12:33 pm

  I just bought this car three months ago. In that time frame, the gas tank was replaced, the ABS failed, check engine light has been on twice, brake master cylinder has failed, FM radio died, and the catalytic converter failed. I love the interior, but the plastic on the doors seems to be falling apart. The car is slow and safe, but what would you expect from a Volvo? Needless to say, I wont buy another.

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  Buy Japanese - 1996 Volvo 850
  By mtlatham - June 8 - 6:23 am

  Air Conditioner has gone out $1500. Emissions sensor has gone out $1500. Incessant squeaks and rattles. I have basically torn out the dash trying to find one rattle - still havent found it. Dealerships suck. I owned an Acura before this - I will go back.

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  Love affair is fading - 1996 Volvo 850
  By Jim Pribbeno - May 14 - 10:00 am

  96 850 turbo is fun to drive with it’s sporty suspension, 16” low profile tires, & 222 HP performance. Unfortunately it’s also the most expensive Volvo we’ve owned (4 others) in terms of upkeep. Compared to our other Volvo, a 92 960 wagon, the 850 is a cash cow!!! I’ve put on new tires every 23k miles. I’ve replaced the transmission (dealer only repair, $2400) at 90k miles, why? A new air mass sensor unit ($250). I’ve refilled a/c several times because the evaporator leaks & costs over $1000 to replace. The TRAC & ABS lights are always on & the braking system occasionally freaks out requiring a new computer module costing over $300. Why?

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  Reliable Workhorse - 1996 Volvo 850
  By DETIGEL - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Great car and relatively inexpensive (for us) in upkeep, except for scheduled maintenance -all at dealer- we have had no problems. We do use summer and winter tires, car does not handle that great in the winter (however probably not worse than other front wheel drives.

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  Amazing Friend over the years... - 1996 Volvo 850
  By vgirl - April 27 - 2:39 pm

  I am the original owner of my 1996 850 Turbo Sedan. The odometer stopped about 3 or 4 years ago at 194,000 and we guess it has about 250,000 miles on it. I havent had to do much to the engine over the years--or anything else for that matter. It does leak oil now, but after so many years I can afford a little oil now and then to keep the girl happy. Would love to buy another one when she finally quits. Not sure when that will be....it will be a sad day for sure!